China testing if it can 'seize power' in Taiwan exercises

China deployed nearly 50 warplanes and 19 naval vessels around Taiwan yesterday, on the second day of major military drills that it described as a test of its ability to "seize power" on the island.

- ARPAN RAI

Taiwan's defence ministry said it tracked the Chinese aircraft and warships, as well as a large number of Chinese coastguard vessels, throughout their drills yesterday, at times bringing the two sides' militaries into extremely close proximity amid spiralling tensions in the region.

Beijing has launched the drills to express its extreme disapproval over a change in Taiwanese leadership. The island's new president Lai Ching-te, who is seen as a less cautiously antiBeijing figure than his predecessor, has urged China to "accept the reality" of the island's de facto independence and cease its threats of force.

Xi Jinping has instead done the opposite, launching its most expansive military drills yet as "punishment" for Mr Lai's comments.

Yesterday, the Chinese military declared the exercises (named Joint Sword-2024A) were designed to "test the ability to jointly seize power, launch joint attacks and occupy key areas". Analysts say putting "A" in the name is an implicit threat from Beijing, suggesting there are more drills to come before the year is out.